Abstract

Video games are the most effective form of distraction from procedural pain compared to other distraction techniques, such as watching television or reading a book (Hussein, 2015). The degree of cognitive engagement with the game is a strong influence on the capacity of game-playing to distract from pain. By increasing game demand to a level that demands maximum levels of attention, it is possible to optimise distraction from pain; however, if the game becomes too difficult, it will fail to act as a distraction.